Chapter 13 – Baptismal Sunday (long)
Sunday ended up being a beautiful day after the overcast and drizzle of the day before. The Grants got ready for services and headed to walk with the Coulters. The moment that PJ saw Nathan he reached for him so Nathan picked him up. Rosemary had made a lovely white silk outfit for him. She had even found little white shoes.
"Try to keep him clean at least until after the ceremony." Rosemary said.
"I promise." Nathan said.
The group walked to services. Both Rosemary and Nathan had glanced at the Thornton house, but it was dark. Little did they know that William and Little Jack were already at the church. The nanny was sitting with Elizabeth who didn't want to go. Frank and Joseph greeted people and it wasn't long and the group was singing the gathering hymn, Come Thou Almighty King. PJ had insisted on staying in Nathan's arms, which was fine. The group had talked about it and decided that whoever PJ chose would hold him for the service. Nathan loved the little boy and seriously didn't mind. He was playing with the buttons on Nathan's gray suit. He also kept tugging on Nathan's tie, so he reached up and loosened just a bit, so it wasn't so tight.
"Welcome everyone." Frank said. "I am so glad to see so many faces this morning as we welcome two new members of the community. Let's bow our heads in a prayer to start."
"Lord God." Joseph said. "You have brought each of us here. Open our hearts as we celebrate the baptism of not only one but two new members of our community. I have a feeling it will be the first two of many that we will welcome. Please be with the parents and godparents as they stand here today and make a vow to raise these children in You. Be with the rest of the community members as well so they can support the parents and godparents in their endeavors. I also ask a special prayer today for any member of our community who is under the weather for any reason. You as the Great Physician know what they need. Please heal them as you see fit and restore them to our community. Amen."
"Amen." Frank said. "Thank you Joseph."
Frank then turned to those gathered.
"As I was preparing for today." Frank said. "There were two pieces of Scripture that stuck out to me. There are many that speak of children and baptism, but I kept coming back to these two. The first is Matthew 28:18-20 – 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.' To me this is the call to not only preach but to share our faith. It also speaks of baptizing those that are new believers. We can all use that reminder that we are all called to help those that are struggling with faith.
The second verse that kept coming to me was Romans 6:3-4 – 'Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? Therefore we have been buried with him by baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life.' This one stuck out to me as I was preparing for today because it reminds me of those who we have lost. If they were baptized we will see them again. We have all experienced loss over the years, some of us more than others. Whether that is the loss of a grandparent, a parent or a child, we need to hold on to faith that we will see them again. It also struck me because I was asked what about the children who were lost before they could be baptized. I didn't know how to answer before and I still don't, but I have to believe in a loving God who would take mercy on those souls as they were from Him to begin with.
So as we get ready to celebrate new life today, let's take a moment and remember those that have been lost over the years. We need to continue to keep their memories alive for others. I hope and pray that there is more joy than sorrow in the years to come."
Frank then sat down for a moment. He wanted to give people a moment or two to reflect. Then Frank and Joseph stood together and moved over toward the baptismal font that had been set up off to the side.
"Baptism is the sign and seal of God's promises to His covenant people." Frank said. "In baptism God promises by grace alone: to forgive our sins; to adopt us into the Body of Christ, the Church; to send the Holy Spirit daily to renew and cleanse us; and to resurrect us to eternal life. This promise is made visible in the water of baptism."
Frank and Joseph each poured a small pitcher of water into the font.
"Water cleanses." Joseph said. "It purifies; refreshes; sustains: Jesus Christ is living water. Through baptism Christ calls us to new obedience: to love and trust God completely; to forsake the evil of the world; and to live a new and holy life. Yet, when we fall into sin, we must not despair of God's mercy, nor continue in sin, for baptism is the sign and seal of God's eternal covenant of grace with us."
"Can the parents and godparents step forward please." Frank said.
"I have been asked by Jesse and Clara to baptize their son." Joseph said. "What name have you given your child?"
"Louis Carson." Jesse said.
"And who have you chosen as godparents?" Joseph asked.
"Frank and Abigail." Clara said.
"I have been asked by Lee and Rosemary to baptize their son." Frank said. "What name has been given to your son?"
"Patrick James." Lee said.
"And who have you chosen as godparents?" Frank asked.
"Nathan and Maggie." Rosemary said.
Frank then moved to stand with Abigail as she stood with Clara and Jesse.
"To the parents and godparents, do you promise?" Joseph asked. "To instruct these children in the truth of God's word, in the way of salvation through Jesus Christ; to pray for them, to teach them to pray; and to train them in Christ's way by your example, through worship, and in the nurture of the church?"
"I do, and I ask God to help me." Jesse, Clara, Lee, Rosemary, Frank, Abigail, Nathan and Maggie each said.
Frank then turned to the rest of the people gathered.
Do you promise to love." Frank asked. "To encourage, and support these brothers and sisters by teaching the gospel of God's love, by being an example of Christian faith and character, and by giving the strong support of God's family in fellowship, prayer, and service?"
"We do." Everyone responded.
"We give you thanks, O holy and gracious God, for the gift of water." Joseph prayed. "In the beginning of creation your Spirit moved over the waters. In the waters of the flood you destroyed evil. You led the children of Israel through the sea into the freedom of the promised land. In the river Jordan, John baptized our Lord and your Spirit anointed him. By his death and resurrection Jesus Christ, the Living Water, frees us from sin and death and opens the way to life everlasting.
We thank you, O God, for the gift of baptism. In this water you confirm to us that we are buried with Christ in his death, raised to share in His resurrection, and are being renewed by the Holy Spirit. Pour out on us your Holy Spirit, so that those here baptized may be washed clean and receive new life. To you be all honor and glory, dominion and power, now and forever, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen."
Joseph then stood in front of Clara and Jesse who held Louie. Frank and Abigail stood behind them with their hands on Clara and Jesse's shoulders. Joseph put his hand on Louie's head.
"Louis Carson." Joseph said. "For you Jesus Christ came into the world; for you he died and for you he conquered death; All this he did for you, little one, though you know nothing of it as yet. We love because God first loved us."
Frank then took Louie and held him over the font as the rest stood by with their hands on Frank's shoulder or back.
"Louis Carson." Joseph said. " I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen."
He sprinkled water over the little boy's head at each name of the Trinity. Louie only let out a small whimper, but nothing more. Carson was able to get some great photos. Afterwards, Frank picked up the small white towel and dabbed the water off. He then handed Louie back to his father. Clara, Jesse and Abigail stepped back and the Coulters and Grants stepped forward. Joseph also stepped back.
Lee tried to take PJ but he wanted to stay with Nathan so they just adjusted. Nathan stood with Lee and Rosemary on either side and Maggie just behind Rosemary. Frank came over and put his hand on PJ's head.
"Patrick James." Frank said. "For you Jesus Christ came into the world; for you he died and for you he conquered death; All this he did for you, little one, though you know nothing of it as yet. We love because God first loved us."
Nathan then moved to hold PJ over the font. Lee helped to support his son, even though Nathan had a good hold of him.
"Patrick James." Joseph said. "I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen."
He sprinkled water over the little boy's head at each name of the Trinity. PJ didn't make a sound, but very closely watched Nathan who just smiled at the boy. Carson was able to get some great photos that time as well.. Afterwards, Frank picked up the small white towel and dabbed the water. Nathan then brought PJ back up to his shoulder and the boy snuggled in, like nothing had happened.
Frank then picked up two white taper candles that had been specially ordered for the day.
"While I know that you haven't done this in the past." Frank said. "I saw this several times in Cape Fullerton and again as I was researching baptism, I found that the candle is a very important symbol of the Christian faith. Because Christ is called the Light of the World. We light these candles as a symbol of Christ in the child's life. I asked the parents and godparents and they all agreed that it was a wonderful sign of the new life that is being celebrated and so we have decided to incorporate that into the service and all future ones for those that want it."
Frank held the wicks together and Joseph lit them both together. Frank then handed each of the lit candles to the godmothers.
"Parents and godparents, this light is entrusted to you to be kept burning brightly" Frank said. "We pray that this candle serves as a reminder of the promise made here today."
"Everyone please have a seat." Joseph said. "I know that we have been here longer than usual today. But we have one more special thing for everyone today."
Nathan stepped up to the piano and next to Angela, with PJ still in his arms. Angels started playing and Nathan started singing To God Be the Glory. He focused on PJ in his arms and tried to not think about that he was singing in front of a large crowd of people. He tried to just be present as he sang as a gift to his new godson. When he was done, he rejoined his family and the Coulters. Frank and Joseph waited a moment before they both stood up and motioned for everyone to stand.
"Let us pray." Frank said. "Gracious God, we thank you that you cleanse and renew these your children through your grace alone. Bless and strengthen them daily with the gift of your Holy Spirit; unfold to them the riches of your love, deepening their faith, keeping them from the power of evil and enabling them to live a holy and blameless life until your kingdom comes."
"Look with kindness upon these parents and godparents." Joseph prayed. "Let them ever rejoice in the gift you have given them. Grant them the presence of your Holy Spirit that they may bring up these children to know you, to love you, and to serve you. Amen."
"Thank you all for coming today." Frank said. "You are all invited to a reception this evening at the cafe for both children. Feel free to stop in and say hi. Our final song today is All Things Bright and Beautiful. Please go in peace and enjoy the day."
They sang the final song and people started to file out. The parents and godparents stayed back for a moment so Carson could get some additional photos. He got a large group photo and several with each smaller group. The parents and child, godparents and child and then both parents and godparents with the child. Once Carson had his photos, the group left the church and went to speak to their neighbors. Several people came up and complimented Nathan on his song. He tugged at his tie and was embarrassed. Maggie was right there, showing her support. William and Little Jack came up. Little Jack wanted to be held, so Nathan was able to convince PJ to go to Maggie for a moment. Nathan picked up Little Jack.
"Wonderful song." William said. "I have never heard a more beautiful rendition."
"Thank you." Nathan said.
"Go bye bye." Little Jack said.
"I know that you are going bye bye." Nathan said. "But you will be with your grandfather and Mama is going as well."
"Miss you." Little Jack said.
"I will miss you as well." Nathan said. "But I will see you again. You will just have to draw lots of pictures and tell me all about when you get back."
"Otay." Little Jack said.
Nathan set Little Jack down and William took his hand and they walked away. Nathan immediately took PJ back and sighed.
"It will be alright." Maggie whispered. "We both know that is for the best."
"I know." Nathan said.
Nathan and Maggie continued to greet the different neighbors who came up to speak to them.
After a time, PJ was getting restless and wanted down. Nathan, not wanting his outfit to get ruined, went over to Lee and explained. Lee took his son and headed back to the house. Nathan and Maggie talked to people for a little bit longer before getting Allie and heading to the Coulter house for lunch. The group had a good afternoon at the Coulters. Maggie was even able to get PJ to take a nap. They still weren't sure how Nathan convinced the little boy to go to Maggie, but he did while Nathan and Lee cleaned up the dishes. Allie had gone back to the Grant house because she was tired from having stayed up the night before. Rosemary and Maggie were able to talk while she rocked PJ.
"Are you getting excited about that other little one?" Maggie asked.
"Yes and no." Rosemary said. "I had pretty much given up the dream of being a mother and then to learn I was expecting and also to adopt PJ all in a matter of just over twenty-four hours was overwhelming. We have had PJ just shy of a month, it will be a month next Sunday. But my point is that I still haven't found a routine that works to have him be at the paper. By the afternoon, I am still tired most days so I come home and we take a nap together."
"Are you looking to hire some help?" Maggie asked.
"We are." Rosemary said. "I have interviewed two young ladies from the settlement, but I just don't feel comfortable leaving PJ with either of them. I just don't know."
"Would you consider maybe hiring a live-in nanny and not just one that comes back and forth?" Maggie asked. "I know that it might be cramped for the winter, but it would give you more flexibility and we would do what we can to help."
"You have someone in mind don't you?" Rosemary said.
"Yes." Maggie said. "I have not spoken to Nathan or Allie about this. But on Friday I was speaking to my sister Erin. She said that my sister, Beth, had been looking at nanny jobs since she finished school over the summer. Beth is smart, but a bit shy. She just turned fifteen a few days before I left. She is struggling with my brother-in-law and being stuck in the house all day. He doesn't let her have much freedom. Erin is worried that Beth will continue to withdraw from everyone now that she is not in school."
"Do you think that it would work?" Rosemary asked.
"Erin had asked if I would be willing to have Beth come out and stay with us for a couple of months to get her out of the city and away from my brother-in-law. Don't get me wrong, my brother-in-law is a decent guy, but he has very strict ideas about what should be allowed and not allowed. Because Erin was living in the house that was my parents, it was agreed that she and my brother-in-law would get custody of my three siblings after my father died two years ago. I also lived there until I came out here. Besides Beth, there are twelve almost thirteen year old twins. Erin and John also have three year old Shaun, two year old Melissa and nine month old Paddy."
"Oh." Rosemary said. "Lee and Nathan, could you join us for a bit."
The men looked at each other as they had just sat at the kitchen table, but got up and went over to the living room to see what the ladies wanted. Once the guys were seated, Maggie explained the situation and apologized for not speaking to Nathan first.
"As long as she doesn't mind sharing a room with PJ right now." Lee said. "I am more than willing to try it. I am more worried about her not being able to handle it."
"She has been helping Erin with the children since Paddy was born." Maggie said. "She does a majority of the cooking now that I am gone. Erin is willing to hire help if it means giving Erin a chance to get away from the restrictive rules of John. Like I said, he means well, but he grew up with a house where there were nine boys. Rules and strict structure was very much needed. That doesn't work with girls who are more interested in literature and art. Don't get me wrong, she is very smart when it comes to the rest of school. It is why Erin had no problem her having tutors for the last year and she was able to finish school in July, over a year early."
"Nathan?" Rosemary said. "I want to hear your opinion on this."
"I have spoken to Erin." Nathan said. "Not specifically about this, but she has spoken about Beth when we have spoken. I believe that Erin wouldn't suggest this if she didn't think it was what was best for her sister. I say make an offer and also else fails, we can take Beth back with us when we go at Christmas. I mean we haven't finalized plans, but with Fiona telling me that there are currently no plans for a Christmas festival, I feel okay about making tentative plans to take my girls back East for Christmas."
"If for some reason things don't work out." Rosemary said. "Would you have room at your house for Beth?"
"We would make do." Nathan said.
"Then can you talk to Erin and make the arrangements." Lee said. "I will pay for the ticket out here. Remind her to pack light as she won't have much room to start. I will work on clearing out our storage room, even if I have to put things in the space above my office."
"With her being only fifteen." Nathan said. "I am going to insist on a Mountie escort until she reaches at least Union City. I will need to call Chief Superintendent Collins and to make that request, so it might take a few extra days."
"Book the tickets." Lee said. "Let me know how much I owe you."
"Thank you." Nathan said.
"Then I suggest that we go home and talk to Allie as well." Maggie said. "We will see you later this evening."
"Sounds good." Lee said. "Thank you again."
Nathan took PJ and laid him in the cot downstairs. The Grants said their goodbyes to the Coulters and headed home. Nathan wasn't mad that Maggie hadn't spoken to him, it had been a crazy weekend. He was glad that they would be able to help Maggie's sister. He also hoped that having her sister here would help with her homesickness that seemed to come through more.
"Thank you for trying to help Lee and Rosemary." Nathan said.
"It helps me also." Maggie said.
"I know." Nathan said. "It will be just weird to have an Elizabeth in the house."
"But her name is not Elizabeth." Maggie said. "Beth is short for Bethany."
"Oh." Nathan said. "Sorry for assuming."
"It is okay." Maggie said. "It happens quite often. She just won't answer if someone calls her Elizabeth."
"I wouldn't either." Nathan said. "I hate when people call me Nate. Maybe it is because Colleen was the only one that ever called me that."
"That is understandable." Maggie said.
Nathan and Maggie were able to talk to Allie and she was excited for what essentially would be her aunt coming, even if she would be living and working over at the Coulters. Maggie also called Erin and spoke to her and let her know that as soon as Nathan could arrange for an escort to bring Beth out he would book the tickets. Erin was so happy and to let her know.
… … … …
The party that evening at the cafe was nice. It was a nice relaxing time. People could come and go as they wanted. Lee was holding PJ while visiting, since he didn't want Rosemary to be toting him around since Carson had advised against it. The Grants walked in and dropped off the small gift for each child. They said hi to the Flynn's and then headed to say hi to the Coulters. The moment that PJ spotted Nathan he wanted him.
"Nae, Nae." PJ squealed, wiggling in his father's arms.
Lee willingly handed over PJ to Nathan who gladly took him.
"I don't get it." Lee said. "For the last hour, he has been perfectly content in my arms, the minute you come, he wants you."
"Sorry." Nathan said, with a lopsided grin.
After a bit, Nathan started making faces at PJ and he let out those belly laughs that only Nathan could bring. Everyone in the cafe stopped and looked at Nathan. Most had been there when he did that for Little Jack at his Christening. Abigail wiped a tear and Frank hugged her. While they all agreed that Maggie was the perfect person for Nathan, they all knew what could have been.
It ended up being a nice time visiting. The Grants didn't stay long as Nathan had to get up for rounds the next morning and he had already had a long weekend. He handed a sleeping PJ back over to his father. Nathan also told him as soon as he knew the plans, he would let him know. Lee thanked him and said they would talk later.
Author's Note: While I had more planned for this story, my imagination got carried away so you may get the next part of this story sooner rather then later. I had planned to take this through Frank and Abigail's wedding. I got carried away with an idea, so it became it's own part. The next part of the story is a little darker then I normally cover. There will be warnings and I am not sure when it will be posted, as I am still currently working on it.